Is it possible to gild with imitation, or other than gold and silver, leaves using traditional water gilding? If not, why?
Also, why is it not possible to burnish (using agate stone) when using imitation leaves?
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I am not seeing a prohibition on burnishing imitation leaf... is that just with the water gilding method?– rebusBCommented Dec 7 at 17:21
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Same with using imitation leaf. Are you mixing traditional water gilding with water based gilding adhesives?– rebusBCommented Dec 7 at 17:26
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2 Answers
From what I can see and my own experience with some gilding there should be no prohibition against using imitation gild when using the traditional water gilding method.
Traditional water gilding is the one where you gesso the surface repeatedly to form a smooth mirror like surface which you then apply a bole layer as the base to which the gilding will be delicately applied and then burnished to a brilliant finish.
Water based tack adhesive on the other hand, as opposed to shellac or oil based and traditional water gilding, cannot be burnished with any gilding type as it remains tacky after the gilding application. This is probably the most accessible way of gilding along with using shellac as the tack.
Regardless, if you are using imitation gild it must be sealed after application (and burnishing) to prevent oxidation.
Traditional water gilding is typically done using genuine gold or silver leaves.
While it is possible to use imitation leaves for gilding, the may not yield the same result as genuine gold or silver. (imitation leaves are made from materials like brass or aluminum)
Imitation leaves may end up with some minor differences in color, sheen or texture which may affect the final result.
